Local Development Framework Consultation

Core Strategy Preferred Options
Page number(s) Page 133
Map/Table/Figure number(s) (where applicable) TABLE 3

Oppose

We oppose the proposed direction of growth on the Green Gap land between the railway and Burneside Road because of its designation as a Green gap. As we understand it, the definition of a Green Gap is that it cannot be built-on and therefore it is more special than a Greenfield site. If the authorities begin to erode these designated areas (e.g. the proposed Sparrowmire site) then the idea of a Green Gap becomes a nonsense.

We suggest that all references to developing on the Sparrowmire site in North-West Kendal, item 1 on page 133 (and any other relevant pages) are removed from the Core Strategy.

If SLDC are compelled to build more houses around Kendal then unfortunately it will have to be at the expense of Greenfield sites (with more suitable road access to employment areas than Sparrowmire) or in other areas more suitable for development (please see other comment sheets supplied) . The idea of flexibility of Green Gaps must not be considered.

Core Strategy Preferred Options Sustainability Appraisal
Page 28
4.20

Oppose

“34% of households owning two or more cars” means, that if the proposed Sparrowmire site is developed, many more cars will pass along Burneside Road. Peoples lives are already in danger along this road and the country lane connecting Kendal to Burneside. As a regular cyclist and user of the footpath between 202 Burneside Road and Burneside village (my children go to St Oswald’s CE School) the traffic is already a worry (cars and lorries travelling at speed). An increase in traffic as a result of the proposed development will make the risk even higher than it is at the moment. This is an unacceptable issue in terms of safety and cannot be ignored. I believe it is a compelling argument against development in the north west area identified in the Strategy.

If SLDC are determined to build houses in the Kendal area then they need to be located so that it does not involve employees passing along Burneside Rd and through Kendal town on their way to work. Other areas on the north-east, east and south sides of Kendal with clear 'A' roads to a motorway junction (or close to Oxenholme railway station) will be much more suitable than the proposal to develop the Sparrowmire site in the north-west.

Core Strategy Preferred Options
Page number(s) 59
Paragraph number(s) (where applicable) 3.70

Oppose

The proposed allocation of 43% of the total SDLC development to the Kendal area is far too high and must be reduced. Kendal, with only three bridges crossing the river (and the traffic/pollution problems associated with an increase in the number of families with cars in the area) is a completely unsuitable town to expand. A completely new development near the M6 is a much more sensible approach. Alternatively the SLDC could enlarge the existing villages near the M6.

Reduce the figure considerably from 43% to a value which does not increase the traffic/pollution in Kendal Town.

The present character of Kendal as a small market town must remain. If SLDC are compelled to build new houses then a completely new site must be planned somewhere near an entrance to the M6 motorway. This site must have infrastructure/services capable of being expanded many years so that SDLC do not have this same problem in the future. It will also avoid the associated pollution problems in Kendal which will result from the increase in families driving in the town if proposed development in the north west goes ahead.

Core Strategy Preferred Options Sustainability Appraisal
Page number(s) 12
Paragraph number(s) (where applicable) 1.42

Oppose

As a resident who lives very near the Sparrowmire site I’ve already observed recent flooding in this area and have seen photographic evidence of it in the past. Drainage has always been a problem and must be considered very carefully in the light of arrangements necessary for the disposal of foul sewage, liquid wastes, trade effluent and contaminated surface water in a new estate. In fact, the marshy nature of the fields near our houses on Burneside Road, encourages wildlife which otherwise finds it difficult to exist. After the present Briery Meadow estate was built it was noticeable that herons that had frequented the area, no longer used the fields. Further development would completely ruin this habitat for other wildlife, including frogs and newts, and a colony of bats that are regularly seen flying on the periphery of the fields at night.

Before the proposed Sparrowmire site is changed from Green Gap to Housing a report must be produced by SLDC on the capability of the sewage system to accommodate the new proposed Sparrowmire development. This report needs to state that calculations have been made to show that in the event of the worst flood predicted for the foreseeable future no raw sewage will be flushed onto the roads. This applies all the way from the far north of the site right back to the sewage works. Also the report must state that no foul/surface flooding will take place on the Sparrowmire site itself or on the Briery Meadows estate.
Similarly, the extent of the damage caused to the natural environment and the associated affect on wildlife need to be thoroughly considered in relation to proposed building developments.

Core Strategy Preferred Options
Page number(s) 125
Paragraph number(s) (where applicable) 22

Neither support nor oppose - just want to comment

“The existing housing on the outskirts consists of large detached houses and feels very private – this may limit potential for locating housing” . This statement suggests that the privacy of certain residents is of greater concern than that of others. Why ? If the land in South Kendal is proved to be most suitable as an area for development , then the privacy of more affluent residents must not be allowed to affect the council’s decisions.

If the Government are compelling the SLDC to build houses in the Kendal area then the area to the south of Kendal is one of the most suitable areas for transport links. The council’s decisions must not be influenced by the socio-economic group it affects. Consideration must first be given to suitability of the site in relation to the increase of traffic/pollution in Kendal Town and not to the “increased development costs”.

Core Strategy Preferred Options Sustainability Appraisal
Page number(s) 29
Paragraph number(s) (where applicable) 4.34

Oppose

Building more houses in the Kendal area will increase the waste production even more than current figures.

Before the proposed Sparrowmire site is re-designated as Housing, a report must be produced by SLDC to show how it is planned to cope with the extra refuse in the many years to come

Core Strategy Preferred Options Sustainability Appraisal
Page number(s) 27
Paragraph number(s) (where applicable) 4.16

Oppose

There is already “significant pressure and demand on health services provided within the district, including GP surgeries”. Building more houses will overload these demands even more. The fact that the Westmorland Hospital is being run down, indicates that Kendal should not be an area for expansion.

If SLDC are forced by the Government to build houses in the Kendal area then we must have a report which shows that all the services (e.g. schools, doctors, dentists, etc) for all the proposed areas have enough spare capacity to cope with the increase in the number of constituents proposed in the Core Strategy.